IFC, NGX, LCCI Launch Gender Initiative To Boost Investment, Women’s Economic Participation

July 12, () — Nigeria’s private sector has launched the Nigeria Gender Country Programme (NGCP), a new initiative aimed at expanding women’s participation in leadership, employment, entrepreneurship and finance as part of efforts to strengthen business competitiveness and drive long-term economic growth.

The programme, unveiled on Thursday by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), brings together government agencies, regulators, development finance institutions and private sector leaders to promote gender-inclusive business practices across corporate Nigeria.

The initiative builds on IFC’s earlier Nigeria2Equal programme and follows a chief executives’ roundtable held in June. Participating organisations are expected to adopt measurable gender-smart policies designed to improve women’s representation in leadership, expand access to quality jobs and strengthen access to finance, technology and markets for women-owned businesses.

According to the organisers, the programme is backed by research showing that narrowing gender gaps in leadership, employment and entrepreneurship could add an estimated $22.9 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, said greater participation of women in the economy should be viewed as a business and investment priority rather than a social objective.

He noted that the programme provides companies with a practical framework to strengthen leadership, improve productivity and support sustainable economic growth through greater inclusion.

Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting women-led enterprises, while the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs called for closer collaboration between government, development partners and the private sector to accelerate women’s economic empowerment.

IFC’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Olivier Buyoya, said the programme aligns with the institution’s strategy of promoting private sector-led development by helping businesses convert gender inclusion into stronger competitiveness, innovation and job creation.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also endorsed the initiative, describing it as a platform for expanding access to finance, promoting inclusive capital markets and supporting women-led enterprises.

Speaking on behalf of NGX, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, and the Group Chief Strategy Officer, Jumoke Olaniyan, said the programme reinforces the Exchange’s commitment to helping businesses access not only capital but also the partnerships and governance practices needed for sustainable growth.

The launch attracted senior policymakers, investors, development partners and corporate executives, including representatives of the World Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, TLcom Capital, NGX Regulation, UN Women and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscoring growing recognition that gender inclusion is increasingly being viewed as a factor in improving enterprise performance, investment attractiveness and economic competitiveness.